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Lee WH, Kung YY, Sun CK, Chang CH, Peng WY, Lin LC, Hsu CH, Yang MH, Tsai TH. The anti-COVID-19 drug nirmatrelvir crosses the blood‒brain barrier and exhibits herb-drug pharmacokinetic interactions with Scutellaria baicalensis formulations. Heliyon 2024; 10:e34820. [PMID: 39170551 PMCID: PMC11336326 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim of the study Our hypothesis is that nirmatrelvir can penetrate the blood‒brain barrier and reach effective concentrations in the brain. Furthermore, herbal formulations can help maintain nirmatrelvir levels in the body, suggesting potential interactions between these medications. Materials and methods To investigate this hypothesis, an animal model combining multisite microdialysis, ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) methods was developed to monitor nirmatrelvir levels in the blood and brain of rats. Results The pharmacokinetic results showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of nirmatrelvir in the blood and brain was 798.3 ± 58.56 and 187.2 ± 23.46 min μg/mL, respectively, after the administration of nirmatrelvir alone (15 mg/kg, iv). When the Scutellaria baicalensis formulations were administered for five consecutive days prior to drug administration, the AUC of nirmatrelvir in the blood increased. Conclusions These results provide constructive preclinical information that the concentrations of nirmatrelvir in the blood and brain were greater than the effective concentration (EC90) for more than 6 h, and the Scutellaria baicalensis formulations had synergistic pharmacokinetic effects by increasing the concentration of nirmatrelvir in the blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Hsin Lee
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ying Kung
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center for Traditional Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Kai Sun
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hao Chang
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Ya Peng
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lie-Chwen Lin
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hua Hsu
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Branch of Linsen Chinese and Kunming, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Muh-Hwa Yang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Hu Tsai
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
- School of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Law and Interdisciplinary Studies, College of Law, National Chengchi University, Taipei, 116, Taiwan
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Jiang WP, Deng JS, Yu CC, Lin JG, Huang GJ. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Viral Activity of Sweet Potato Trypsin Inhibitor via Downregulation of TMPRSS2 Activity and ACE2 Expression In Vitro and In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6067. [PMID: 38892254 PMCID: PMC11172529 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic. Known as COVID-19, it has affected billions of people worldwide, claiming millions of lives and posing a continuing threat to humanity. This is considered one of the most extensive pandemics ever recorded in human history, causing significant losses to both life and economies globally. However, the available evidence is currently insufficient to establish the effectiveness and safety of antiviral drugs or vaccines. The entry of the virus into host cells involves binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a cell surface receptor, via its spike protein. Meanwhile, transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), a host surface protease, cleaves and activates the virus's S protein, thus promoting viral infection. Plant protease inhibitors play a crucial role in protecting plants against insects and/or microorganisms. The major storage proteins in sweet potato roots include sweet potato trypsin inhibitor (SWTI), which accounts for approximately 60% of the total water-soluble protein and has been found to possess a variety of health-promoting properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, ACE-inhibitory, and anticancer functions. Our study found that SWTI caused a significant reduction in the expression of the ACE2 and TMPRSS2 proteins, without any adverse effects on cells. Therefore, our findings suggest that the ACE2 and TMPRSS2 axis can be targeted via SWTI to potentially inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ping Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan 717, Taiwan;
| | - Jeng-Shyan Deng
- Department of Food Nutrition and Healthy Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan;
| | - Chia-Chen Yu
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan;
| | - Jaung-Geng Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan;
- Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Jhong Huang
- Department of Food Nutrition and Healthy Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan;
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan;
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Chang WK, Wang CJ, Tsai TH, Sun FJ, Chen CH, Kuo KC, Chung HP, Tang YH, Chen YT, Wu KL, Wu JC, Lin CY, Zhang HB. The clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine NRICM101 in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38288986 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2024.2313054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of NRICM101 in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective study from 20 April 2021 to 8 July 2021, and evaluated the safety and outcomes (mortality, hospital stay, mechanical ventilation, oxygen support, diarrhea, serum potassium) in COVID-19 patients. Propensity score matching at a 1:2 ratio was performed to reduce confounding factors. RESULTS A total of 201 patients were analyzed. The experimental group (n = 67) received NRICM101 and standard care, while the control group (n = 134) received standard care alone. No significant differences were observed in mortality (10.4% vs. 14.2%), intubation (13.8% vs. 11%), time to intubation (10 vs. 11 days), mechanical ventilation days (0 vs. 9 days), or oxygen support duration (6 vs. 5 days). However, the experimental group had a shorter length of hospitalization (odds ratio = 0.12, p = 0.043) and fewer mechanical ventilation days (odds ratio = 0.068, p = 0.008) in initially severe cases, along with an increased diarrhea risk (p = 0.035). CONCLUSION NRICM101 did not reduce in-hospital mortality. However, it shortened the length of hospitalization and reduced mechanical ventilation days in initially severe cases. Further investigation is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Kuei Chang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Jen Wang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Hu Tsai
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Chemistry, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Ju Sun
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Hsien Chen
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Taitung MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taitung, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Chih Kuo
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Pei Chung
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Hsiang Tang
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ting Chen
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Lun Wu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jou-Chun Wu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Yi Lin
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hai-Bo Zhang
- Anesthesia, Medicine and Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Yuan C, Guan Y. Efficacy and safety of Lianhua Qingwen as an adjuvant treatment for influenza in Chinese patients: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e36986. [PMID: 38241551 PMCID: PMC10798757 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lianhua Qingwen (LHQW) is a proprietary traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of influenza (FLu). It is composed of 2 prescriptions, Maxing Shigan and Yinqiao, which has antiviral, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory effects. However its clinical suitability has not yet been investigated. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LHQW in the treatment of FLu. METHODS We searched several databases, including PubMed and China Biomedical Database for literature research, from inception to July 1, 2023. This meta-analysis included RCTs that compared the safety and efficacy of the combination of LHQW and conventional drugs (CD) with CD alone for IFU. The extracted data were analyzed using Revman5.4 software with risk ratio (RR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and standardized mean difference. RESULTS Our meta-analysis included 32 articles with 3592 patients. The results showed that the effects of LHQW adjuvant therapy were superior to those of CD (clinical effective rate: RR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.18-1.26, P < .00001; cure rate: RR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.35-1.75, P < .00001), and adverse reactions after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment (RR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.50-0.98, P = .04). CONCLUSION This meta-analysis indicates that LHQW combined with CD may be more effective than CD alone for the treatment of FLu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, Weifang People’s Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Ying Guan
- Department of Medical Insurance Office, Weifang People’s Hospital, Weifang, China
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Gasmi A, Noor S, Dadar M, Semenova Y, Menzel A, Gasmi Benahmed A, Bjørklund G. The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese Pharmacopoeia in the Evaluation and Treatment of COVID-19. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:1060-1074. [PMID: 38523518 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128217263240220060252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The epidemic prompted by COVID-19 continues to spread, causing a great risk to the general population's safety and health. There are still no drugs capable of curing it. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) are the two other diseases caused by coronaviruses. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) showed benefits in treating SARS and MERS by preventing the disease early, substantially mitigating symptoms, shortening the treatment period, and minimizing risks and adverse reactions caused by hormone therapy. Although several vaccines have been developed and are being used for the treatment of COVID-19, existing vaccines cannot provide complete protection against the virus due to the rapid evolution and mutation of the virus, as mutated viral epitopes evade the vaccine's target and decrease the efficacy of vaccines. Thus, there is a need to develop alternative options. TCM has demonstrated positive effects in the treatment of COVID-19. Previous research studies on TCM showed broad-spectrum antiviral activity, offering a range of possibilities for their potential use against COVID-19. This study shed some light on common TCM used for SARS and MERS outbreaks and their effective use for COVID-19 management. This study provides new insights into COVID-19 drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Gasmi
- Société Francophone de Nutrithérapie et de Nutrigénétique Appliquée, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Sadaf Noor
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Maryam Dadar
- CONEM Iran Microbiology Research Group, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yuliya Semenova
- School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | | | | | - Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM), Mo i Rana, Norway
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6
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Anderson BJ, Zappa M, Glickstein B, Taylor-Swanson L. "The History of Chinese Medicine Really Is Very Detailed Regarding Pandemics": A Qualitative Analysis of Evidence-Based Practice and the Use of Chinese Herbal Medicine by Licensed Acupuncturists During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2023; 29:738-746. [PMID: 37307022 PMCID: PMC10663696 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2023.0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this qualitative study was to understand how licensed acupuncturists determined treatment strategies for patients with symptoms likely related to COVID-19 using Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) and the impact of the pandemic upon their clinical practice. Methods: A qualitative instrument was developed with questions aligned with when participants started treating patients with symptoms likely related to COVID-19 and the availability of information related to the use of CHM for COVID-19. Interviews took place between March 8 and May 28, 2021, and were transcribed verbatim by a professional transcription service. Inductive theme analysis and ATLAS.ti Web software were used to determine themes. Results: Theme saturation was achieved after 14 interviews lasting 11-42 min. Treatment predominantly started before mid-March 2020. Four themes emerged (1) information sources; (2) diagnostic and treatment decision-making; (3) practitioner experience; (4) resources and supplies. Conclusion: Primary sources of information informing treatment strategies came from China through professional networks and were widely disseminated throughout the United States. Scientific studies evaluating the effectiveness of CHM for COVID-19 were generally not deemed useful for informing patient care because treatment had been initiated before they were published and because of limitations associated with the research and the ability to apply it to real world practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda J. Anderson
- College of Health Professions, Pace University, New York, NY, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Melissa Zappa
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Li L, Xu C, Guo Y, Wang H. Screening potential treatments for mpox from Traditional Chinese Medicine by using a data-driven approach. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35116. [PMID: 37713907 PMCID: PMC10508546 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Mpox (MPX) has escalated into a public health emergency of international concern, necessitating urgent prophylactic and therapeutic measures. The primary goal of this investigation was to systematically extract Wan Quan's expertise in treating smallpox, as documented in Exclusive Methods for Treating Pox (Dou Zhen Xin Fa in Chinese), with the aim of identifying potential prescriptions, herbs, and components for alternative MPX therapies or drugs. This research utilized data mining to identify high-frequency Chinese Medicines (CMs), high-frequency CM-pairs, and CM compatibility rules. Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamic simulation were employed to reveal the potential molecular mechanisms of the core CM-pair. 119 prescriptions were extracted from Exclusive Methods for Treating Pox. We identified 25 high-frequency CMs and 23 high-frequency CM pairs among these prescriptions. Combined association rule mining analysis, Gancao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.), Renshen (Panax ginseng C. A. Mey.), Danggui (Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels), Shengma (Cimicifuga foetida L.), and Zicao (Lithospermum erythrorhizon Siebold & Zucc.) were selected as the core CM-pair for further investigation. Network pharmacology analysis yielded 131 active components and 348 candidate targets for the core CM-pair. Quercetin and celabenzine were chosen as ligands for molecular docking. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that the core CM-pair could interact with targets involved in immune, inflammatory, and infectious diseases. Moreover, key mpox virus targets, F8-A22-E4 DNA polymerase holoenzyme and profilin-like protein A42R, were docked well with the selected core components. And molecular dynamic simulation indicated that the component (quercetin) could stably bind to the target (profilin-like protein A42R). Our findings identified potential prescriptions, herbs, and components that can offer potential therapies or drugs for addressing the MPX epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linyang Li
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chengchen Xu
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yinling Guo
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Haozhong Wang
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Chien LH, Deng JS, Jiang WP, Chou YN, Lin JG, Huang GJ. Evaluation of lung protection of Sanghuangporus sanghuang through TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK, keap1/Nrf2/HO-1, CaMKK/AMPK/Sirt1, and TGF-β/SMAD3 signaling pathways mediating apoptosis and autophagy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115080. [PMID: 37392658 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a type of interstitial pneumonia characterized by chronic and progressive fibrosis with an unknown etiology. Previous pharmacological studies have shown that Sanghuangporus sanghuang possesses various beneficial properties including immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, antitumor, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. This study used a bleomycin (BLM)-induced IPF mouse model to illustrate the possible benefits of SS in ameliorating IPF. BLM was administered on day 1 to establish a pulmonary fibrosis mouse model, and SS was administered through oral gavage for 21 d. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome staining results showed that SS significantly reduced tissue damage and decreased fibrosis expression. We observed that SS treatment resulted in a substantial lowering in the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TGF-β, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 as well as MPO. In addition, we observed a notable increase in glutathione (GSH) levels. Western blot analysis of SS showed that it reduces inflammatory factors (TWEAK, iNOS, and COX-2), MAPK (JNK, p-ERK, and p-38), fibrosis-related molecules (TGF-β, SMAD3, fibronectin, collagen, α-SMA, MMP2, and MMP9), apoptosis (p53, p21, and Bax), and autophagy (Beclin-1, LC3A/B-I/II, and p62), and notably increases caspase 3, Bcl-2, and antioxidant (Catalase, GPx3, and SOD-1) levels. SS alleviates IPF by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK, Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1, CaMKK/AMPK/Sirt1, and TGF-β/SMAD3 pathways. These results suggest that SS has a pharmacological activity that protects the lungs and has the potential to improve pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Hsuan Chien
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan; Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Health Care, Tajen University, Pingtung 907, Taiwan
| | - Jeng-Shyan Deng
- Department of Food Nutrition and Healthy Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Ping Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan 717, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ni Chou
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Jaung-Geng Lin
- Department of Chinese Medical, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan.
| | - Guan-Jhong Huang
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan; Department of Food Nutrition and Healthy Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan.
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Zhang SX, Chen XX, Zheng Y, Cai BH, Shi W, Ru M, Li H, Zhang DD, Tian Y, Chen YL. Reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection risk is associated with the use of Seven-Flavor Herb Tea: A multi-center observational study in Shanghai, China. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2023:S2095-4964(23)00047-X. [PMID: 37380565 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Omicron, a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant, is responsible for numerous infections in China. This study investigates the association between the use of Seven-Flavor Herb Tea (SFHT) and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection to develop precise and differentiated strategies for control of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS This case-control study was conducted at shelter hospitals and quarantine hotels in China. A total of 5348 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients were enrolled between April 1 and May 31, 2022, while 2190 uninfected individuals served as healthy controls. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on demographics, underlying diseases, vaccination status, and use of SFHT. Patients were propensity-score-matched using 1:1 nearest-neighbor matching of the logit of the propensity score. Subsequently, a conditional logistic regression model was used for data analysis. RESULTS Overall, 7538 eligible subjects were recruited, with an average age of [45.54 ± 16.94] years. The age of COVID-19 patients was significantly higher than that of uninfected individuals ([48.25 ± 17.48] years vs [38.92 ± 13.41] years; t = 22.437, P < 0.001). A total of 2190 COVID-19 cases were matched with uninfected individuals at a 1:1 ratio. The use of SFHT (odds ratio = 0.753, 95% confidence interval: 0.692, 0.820) was associated with a lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to untreated individuals. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that taking SFHT reduces the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This is a useful study in the larger picture of COVID-19 management, but data from large-sample multi-center, randomized clinical trial are warranted to confirm the finding. Please cite this article as: Zhang SX, Chen XX, Zheng Y, Cai BH, Shi W, Ru M, Li H, Zhang DD, Tian Y, Chen YL. Reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection risk is associated with the use of Seven-Flavor Herb Tea: a multi-center observational study in Shanghai, China. J Integr Med. 2023; Epub ahead of print.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun-Xian Zhang
- Clinical Research Center, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiao-Xu Chen
- Medical Affairs Department, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yong Zheng
- Medical Affairs Department of Minhang District Health Committee, Shanghai 201199, China
| | - Bing-Hua Cai
- Medical Affairs Department of Fengxian District Health Committee, Shanghai 201499, China
| | - Wei Shi
- Medical Affairs Department of Jinshan District Health Committee, Shanghai 200540, China
| | - Ming Ru
- Medical Affairs Department of Xuhui District Health Committee, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Hui Li
- Medical Affairs Department of Changning District Health Committee, Shanghai 200050, China
| | - Dan-Dan Zhang
- Medical Affairs Department, Jinshan TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai 201501, China
| | - Yu Tian
- Medical Affairs Department, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Yue-Lai Chen
- Sleep Medicine Center, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Chou YN, Lee MM, Deng JS, Jiang WP, Lin JG, Huang GJ. Water Extract from Brown Strain of Flammulina velutipes Alleviates Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury by Attenuating Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Autophagy via PI3K/AKT Pathway Regulation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119448. [PMID: 37298398 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most popular edible mushrooms in the world, Flammulina velutipes, has been shown to possess pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the potential activity of the brown strain of F. velutipes, a hybrid between the white and yellow strains, has not been thoroughly investigated. Numerous studies have been conducted in recent years to determine whether natural products can aid in improving or treating kidney diseases. In this study, we focused on the renoprotective effects of the brown strain of F. velutipes on cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in mice. Mice were pretreated with water extract from the brown strain of F. velutipes (WFV) from day 1 to day 10, with a single-dose intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin on day 7 to induce AKI. Our results demonstrated that WFV administration resulted in a reduction in weight loss and the amelioration of renal function and renal histological changes in mice with cisplatin-induced AKI. WFV improved antioxidative stress and anti-inflammatory capacity by increasing antioxidant enzymes and decreasing inflammatory factors. The expression of related proteins was determined via Western blot analysis, which showed that WFV could improve the expression of apoptosis and autophagy. We used the PI3K inhibitor Wortmannin and found that WFV achieved a protective effect by modulating the PI3K/AKT pathway and the expression of autophagy. Overall, WFV as a natural substance could be used as a new therapeutic agent for AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ni Chou
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Min-Min Lee
- Department of Food Nutrition and Healthy Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan
| | - Jeng-Shyan Deng
- Department of Food Nutrition and Healthy Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Ping Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan 717, Taiwan
| | - Jaung-Geng Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
- Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Jhong Huang
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
- Department of Food Nutrition and Healthy Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 413, Taiwan
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Lin JG, Huang GJ, Su YC. Efficacy analysis and research progress of complementary and alternative medicines in the adjuvant treatment of COVID-19. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:30. [PMID: 37138292 PMCID: PMC10155165 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00923-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted human lifestyles around the world, causing huge distress in terms of public health systems, emergency response capacity and economic development. The causative agent of COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is associated with respiratory involvement, cardiovascular-related diseases, and ultimately causes multiple organ failure and death in severely affected individuals. Thus, effective prevention or early treatment of COVID-19 is critical. An effective vaccine offers a way out of the pandemic for governments, the scientific community and people worldwide, but we still lack effective drug therapies, including treatments for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. This had led to a high global demand for many complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs). Moreover, many healthcare providers are now requesting information about CAMs that prevent, relieve, or treat the symptoms of COVID-19 and even alleviate vaccine-related side effects. Experts and scholars must therefore become familiar with the use of CAMs in COVID-19, current research directions and effectiveness of CAMs for COVID-19. This narrative review updates the current status and research worldwide on the use of CAMs for COVID-19. The review provides reliable evidence on theoretical viewpoints and therapeutic efficacies of CAM combinations, and evidence in support of the therapeutic strategy of Taiwan Chingguan Erhau (NRICM102) against moderate-to-severe novel coronavirus infectious disease in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaung-Geng Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, No.91, Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan
- Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, No.91, Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Jhong Huang
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, No.91, Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan.
- Department of Food Nutrition and Healthy Biotechnology, Asia University, No. 500, Lioufeng Road, Taichung, 41354, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Chang Su
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, No.155-1, Section 2, Linong Street, Beitou District, Taipei, 11221, Taiwan
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Andrade FDO, Jin L, Clarke R, Wood I, Dutton M, Anjorin C, Rubin G, Gao A, Sengupta S, FitzGerald K, Hilakivi-Clarke L. Social Isolation Activates Dormant Mammary Tumors, and Modifies Inflammatory and Mitochondrial Metabolic Pathways in the Rat Mammary Gland. Cells 2023; 12:961. [PMID: 36980301 PMCID: PMC10047513 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Although multifactorial in origin, one of the most impactful consequences of social isolation is an increase in breast cancer mortality. How this happens is unknown, but many studies have shown that social isolation increases circulating inflammatory cytokines and impairs mitochondrial metabolism. Using a preclinical Sprague Dawley rat model of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, we investigated whether social isolation impairs the response to tamoxifen therapy and increases the risk of tumors emerging from dormancy, and thus their recurrence. We also studied which signaling pathways in the mammary glands may be affected by social isolation in tamoxifen treated rats, and whether an anti-inflammatory herbal mixture blocks the effects of social isolation. Social isolation increased the risk of dormant mammary tumor recurrence after tamoxifen therapy. The elevated recurrence risk was associated with changes in multiple signaling pathways including an upregulation of IL6/JAK/STAT3 signaling in the mammary glands and tumors and suppression of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway. In addition, social isolation increased the expression of receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), consistent with impaired insulin sensitivity and weight gain linked to social isolation. In socially isolated animals, the herbal product inhibited IL6/JAK/STAT3 signaling, upregulated OXPHOS signaling, suppressed the expression of RAGE ligands S100a8 and S100a9, and prevented the increase in recurrence of dormant mammary tumors. Increased breast cancer mortality among socially isolated survivors may be most effectively prevented by focusing on the period following the completion of hormone therapy using interventions that simultaneously target several different pathways including inflammatory and mitochondrial metabolism pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabia de Oliveira Andrade
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (F.d.O.A.)
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, 801 16th Ave NE, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Lu Jin
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (F.d.O.A.)
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, 801 16th Ave NE, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Robert Clarke
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (F.d.O.A.)
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, 801 16th Ave NE, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Imani Wood
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (F.d.O.A.)
| | - MaryAnn Dutton
- Department of Psychiatry, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Chezaray Anjorin
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (F.d.O.A.)
| | - Grace Rubin
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (F.d.O.A.)
| | - Audrey Gao
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, 801 16th Ave NE, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Surojeet Sengupta
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (F.d.O.A.)
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, 801 16th Ave NE, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Kevin FitzGerald
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (F.d.O.A.)
- Department of Medical Humanities, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
| | - Leena Hilakivi-Clarke
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (F.d.O.A.)
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, 801 16th Ave NE, Austin, MN 55912, USA
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